WALLA WALLA WA (12-8) - UC Santa Cruz men's basketball played against Whitman College this Friday evening and lost 74-65.
 
The game started with a three-pointer shot from Zino Okah with an assist from Ian McCloskey making the score 3-0 (19:23). From shots from Treyson Keating, Joseph Espy, McCloskey, and Nelson Etuk, the Banana Slugs took the lead (15-8, 13:40). The Banana Slug defense had high intensity and held Whitman College at 10 points for the first eight minutes of the first half (19-10, 11:57). Espy made back-to-back layups that helped contribute to the Banana Slugs lead (28-21, 5:15). During the last five minutes of the half, Whitman was coming back to within two with three-pointers and jumpers (34-32, 0:42). However, with an all net three-pointer from Ryan Wilson, the Banana Slugs finished the half in the lead 37-32.
 
The second half started with Whitman tying the Banana Slugs. Yet, Keating was able to make two good free throw shots reclaiming their lead (39-37, 18:09). Whitman was able to gain the lead from a three-pointer and a layup (49-48, 10:43). Okah and Caden Breznikar made layups to help the Banana Slug gain the lead back (54-49, 9:51). Whitman once again gained back the lead (61-60, 4:45). After a pair of technical fouls, McCloskey made three consecutive free throws making the Banana Slugs in the lead (63-61, 3:54). Unfortunately, Whitman made continuous shots securing their lead making the final score 74-65.
 
Keating had the team high with 15 points, one steal, 8 rebounds, and three assists. Okah had 13 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and one block. The Banana Slugs defense dominated the match with a season-high 10 steals and 39 rebounds compared to 27 for Whitman. Whitman did not have a single offensive rebound.
 
The Banana Slugs (4-6) will next play at Whitworth University (5-2) on Saturday, December 9th at 6:00 PM.